Speak vs Talk

Generally speaking, “talk” and “speak” mean the same thing; to have a conversation with someone.

But there are many exceptions to that rule that I will cover.

To learn more, read on.

Similarities

When you are having a conversation with someone, you can say that you are talking to them or speaking to them about it.

I will talk to you when I have a minute.
I will speak to you when I have a minute.

Police talked to everyone who witnessed the crash.
Police spoke to everyone who witnessed the crash.

Our teacher talked to us one at a time to give us some feedback.
Our teacher spoke to us one at a time to give us some feedback.

In these examples, there is no real difference in meaning between talk and speak.

Differences

The verb talk can be used for a normal or a longer conversation that covers a variety of topics. You talk in order to share feelings or ideas, or because you are wanting to be friendly or make friends with someone.

The verb speak is used for a conversation concerning a specific topic. Speaking to someone is unlikely to be an extended activity or involve more than one topic.

Furthermore, the verb speak is usually more formal than talk.

Talk

➢ You talk to people about unimportant, trivial, or ordinary things.

➢ When you talk, you are relaxed and colloquial.

➢ You tend to do it with people you know, especially friends, but not always; you can talk to anyone.

➢ The conversation is informal or happens in an informal situation.

Speak

➢ You speak to people about serious and important matters.

➢ When you speak, you are very polite and official.

➢ You can speak to anyone, but usually the person you are speaking to is more important than you in a particular setting.

➢ The conversation is formal or happens in a formal setting, e.g. at work, in a meeting, etc.

Difference #1

The verb talk is neutral and often used for normal conversation.

The verb speak is usually used for formal or important conversations.

Gary, can I talk to you for a second?

(= normal conversation)

Gary, can I speak to you for a second?

(= about something important)

They hung around outside talking about the weather.

(= normal conversation)

They spoke about the weather.

(= rather formal conversation)

I often see him talking to customers.

(= having a chat)

I saw him speaking to a customer.

(= about something important)

Chloe wants to talk to you. She misses you!

(= have a chat)

Chloe wants to speak to you. She says it is important.

(= important conversation)

Everyone has had the chance to talk to our boss.

(= most likely a chat)

Everyone has had the chance to speak to our boss.

(= formal conversation)

Difference #2

The verb talk is used to focus on the concept of conversation.

The verb speak is used to focus on the person saying words.

My friend talked to me about his birthday party.

(= we had a conversation)

My friend spoke to me about his birthday party.

(= he said words)

Everyone was quiet when he and dad were talking.

(= having a conversation)

Everyone was quiet when he was speaking.

(= saying words)

There will be more time to talk later.

(= have a conversation)

There will be more time to speak later.

Difference #3

The verb talk means that two or more people are having a conversation.

The verb speak should not be used like that.

We sat in the living room and talked.
We sat in the living room and spoke.

They were drinking coffee and talking.
They were drinking coffee and speaking.

Difference #4

The verb talk means to say words.

The verb speak does not.

Talk to me, Aaron.
Speak to me, Aaron.

He can talk for hours on end.
He can speak for hours on end.

We talked a little last week.
We spoke a little last week.

She talks to herself when driving.
She speaks to herself when driving.

The teacher told us to stop talking and listen.
The teacher told us to stop speaking and listen.

Difference #5

The verb speak means you are using your voice to say words, but not as part of a conversation.

The verb talk does not carry that meaning.

He speaks with a French accent.
He talks with a French accent.

She can’t speak with her sore throat.
She can’t talk with her sore throat.

Please, speak slowly and clearly.
Please, talk slowly and clearly.

Difference #6

We use speak when referring to languages.

Using talk in this context is incorrect.

Can you speak Spanish?
Can you talk Spanish?

Difference #7

The verb speak indicates a one-sided monologue, i.e. only you are using your voice to say words. The other person or people are listening.

The verb talk could also be used that way, but the topic you are talking about is informal, or you are talking in an informal, relaxed way.

Our teacher talked about his time in Kenya. (= informal speech)
Our teacher spoke about his time in Kenya. (= formal speech)

Difference #8

However, you do not want to overuse it; public speaking or speaking in public is generally regarded as formal, so the verb talk is usually a bad choice.

A retired police officer spoke about his time in the police force at school.
A retired police officer talked about his time in the police force at school.

The new Prime Minister spoke on the steps of Downing Street addressing the nation.
The new Prime Minister talked on the steps of Downing Street addressing the nation.

Difference #9

When making a request, you say that you want to speak to someone.

This is because the verb talk is neutral, whereas speak is more polite.

Hi. Is Mr James in today? Can I speak to him, please?
Hi. Is Mr James in today? Can I talk to him, please?

Difference #10

We also use speak when using the telephone.

Who am I speaking to?
Who am I talking to?

Could I speak to Ian, please?
Could I talk to Ian, please?

‘Hi, is it Sophia?’ ‘Speaking.’
‘Hi, is it Sophia?’ ‘Talking.’